Honoring Their Service, Leaving a Legacy

National Estate Planning Awareness Week, held annually the third week of October, is a time to highlight the critical importance of estate planning. While many focus on the financial aspects, estate planning also profoundly impacts nonprofit organizations like America’s VetDogs.

Despite its importance, many Americans are still unprepared. According to Caring.com’s 2024 Wills and Estate Planning Study, only 32% of Americans have an estate plan, a decline of 6% since 2023, marking the lowest rate since 2020.
Alarmingly, 40% of respondents believe they don’t have enough assets to justify creating a will, up from 35% the previous year. This misconception spans all income levels, with 1 in 4 Americans earning over $80,000 annually sharing this belief.

Certain demographics are reversing this trend. Estate planning among Black Americans has increased by 19% since 2020, rising to 31% in 2024. Younger Americans (ages 18-34) are also showing positive trends, with 1 in 3 citing media coverage as a motivating factor for creating a will. They are 50% more likely to have an estate plan than in 2020, reflecting an encouraging shift towards early planning.

The Power of Estate Planning

Estate planning is more than just dividing assets—it’s a comprehensive strategy to ensure your wishes are honored and your legacy endures. By including organizations like the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs in your estate plan, you extend your support beyond your lifetime, providing these nonprofits with the stability they need to continue their vital work.

Leaving a Legacy

Including charitable giving in your will is a powerful way to reflect your values and ensure the causes you care about continue to thrive. Aligning your estate plan with your philanthropic goals ensures that the organizations you support receive the resources necessary to make a lasting impact.

Steps to Include Nonprofits in Your Estate Plan

  1. Consult Professionals: Seek advice from legal and financial experts to guide your estate planning process.
  2. Identify Your Intentions: Choose the nonprofits you wish to support and clarify your specific goals.
  3. Choose the Right Assets: Decide which assets to allocate to charitable giving—whether it’s a percentage of your estate, specific properties, stocks, or other valuable items.
  4. Update Regularly: Keep your estate plan up to date to reflect changes in your life and wishes.
  5. Communicate Your Intentions: Inform your loved ones and the nonprofits about your plans to ensure your wishes are honored.

National Estate Planning Awareness Week (October) and National Make a Will Month (August) are reminders that estate planning is about more than just finances—it’s about ensuring your contributions endure. By including America’s VetDogs in your estate plan, you can create a legacy that positively impacts lives long after you're gone.

For more information on planned giving and our Heritage Society visit America’s VetDogs Planned Giving or contact Dawn Dioguardo at Dawn.Dioguardo@VetDogs.org or call 631-930-9007.